How can I minimized potential divots after Tumescent Liposuction? (photo)

Question

I am now 3.5 weeks post tumescent liposuction. I am seeing lots of bumps and depression in my abs (treated area). I have been told is too early to have final results, but I would like to know what can I do to help prevent potential divots. BTW, I am 42, female and good skin conditions. Thanks in advance for your time.

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

The only thing that I have my patients do is to treat firm areas of the skin after liposuction with massage. You will see improvement in the "divots" with the massage and time. I think that the massage can be done by yourself and you don't need to go to a masseuse. But using a small vibrating massaging device can make it easier to do. They make cheap "pinpoint personal massagers" that you can get that I think are quite helpful. Brookstone used to make one that only cost $20, but they quit making it. Now I just tell my patients to get an egg massager or use whatever they already might have laying around the house, if you know what I mean.

Kyle Song, MD · Answer

It is hard to judge the results of liposuction until you have reached at least 2 months after surgery.  It takes time for all the swelling to subside and your skin to begin contracting.  The contour irregularity you see may or may not totally go away, but it is likely exaggerated by the swelling and relative looseness of the skin.  This should improve with time, and unfortunately, there is nothing great that you can do to expedite this process.  In the case that the irregularity is permanent, there are techniques available to improve the result.  I use a SAFE-lipo technique without the aspiration component, meaning I use liposuction equipment to separate the fatty tissue under the lumps and redistribute this into the valleys.  In any case, hang in there for a bit more until you judge your final result.

Jeremy Pyle, MD · Answer

What you describe is fairly common at this point and your question is as well. Waiting the 3-6 months that it takes to get the best results with liposuction can be really hard to do.  Nonetheless, you will note fairly significant changes during that time. One of the most common concerns at this point in recovery is the presence of one or two small lumps. Surgeons use many different techniques to address them but, in my experience, time solves all of the hard lump issues and none of the soft lump issues. Meaning that if your lumpy appearance is due to soft lumps, that is likely an uneven result from uneven suctioning of fat. If it is due to hard lumps, that is commonly just your body healing and is very likely to resolve.Best,Dr. Pyle

G. Peter Fakhre, MD · Answer

The lighting in this photo is not ideal. I would recommend massaging the indurated or firm areas to help soften and smooth them out. Be sure to keep your follow up appointments so that your plastic surgeon may monitor your progress.

How can I minimized potential divots after Tumescent Liposuction? (photo)

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Answer: Divots after Tumescent Liposuction?

Answer: Divots after Tumescent Liposuction?

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How can I minimized potential divots after Tumescent Liposuction? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Divots after Tumescent Liposuction?

Answer: Divots after Tumescent Liposuction?

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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